ESCAPING TO…WHERE?
The other day one of my kids asked what I wanted for Christmas this year. My response? “I want the chance to escape.”
A beat of silence followed. “Escape?” she asked cautiously. “You mean you don’t want to celebrate Christmas this year?”
“Of course I want to celebrate Christmas,” I clarified and smiled at her frown. “What I mean is I’d like you to get me a book.”
“Oh!” The frown vanished. “Well, that’s easy. You want a romance, right?”
My daughter knows me well.
I love reading romances. Contemporary, historical, women’s fiction, suspense, long, short—the list is endless. If there’s a romantic side to the story—a strong, savvy heroine and a man she can count on—I’m there.
I love the “escapism” of reading about relationships between men and women. Whether the story takes place in today’s world or in the 15th century, the same innate guidelines of attraction follow. There’s the little frisson of excitement the moment that “chemistry” is present. Then there’s the need to explore a friendship or reunion. And finally, the intimacy.
But that’s not why I read—and write—romance. It’s the relationship that tugs me into the story, the journey the hero and heroine go through together to resolve the difficulties in their present day life in order to eventually find love and happiness.
I want to laugh with them as they travel this journey. I want to cry and sigh and know that, no matter how rough their waters, they will reach dry ground where the promise of a better future awaits.
Relationship stories are all about characterization, emotion and heart. The heart of the characters and that of the reader. These are the stories that tell a truth between men and women—that love can happen, no matter how bad the past or what demons chase the characters. That a man will do anything and everything to protect his woman, and that she will be his “soft place to fall.” Of course, in real life this isn’t always the case. Simply reading the stats on the divorce rate these days is a clue. Yet, I’d like to think there are real relationships out there in which couples have overcome the odds and found that forever kind of love—just as a hero and heroine do on the printed page.
And, perhaps, in that way it isn’t escapism at all. It’s hope. Hope that somewhere someone is finding their true blue happiness—right now.
***
As Cindy mentioned in yesterday’s post, I’m giving away the first 2 books of my current miniseries, “Home To Firewood Island.” But before I do, I’d love to hear what endears you to certain books…
To learn more about Mary and her books, please visit her website.
Hi Mary! I love romances because the H/h are never willing to give up on each other. It seems in real life, too many misunderstandings and grudges drive people apart. I love watching a hero do whatever it takes to commit to his woman! And I adore Christmas, so holiday romances are even better. 🙂
Very nice post, Mary, and I’ll bet your kids get you a book for Christmas 😉 I think escape is a apt word when it comes to romance, I still recall how moved I was at RWA National when Lisa Kleypas told about a flood that destroyed her town, and wiped out everything she owned. When Lisa and her mother went to the store to buy necessary items, an item they considered critical was a romance novel. With the added stress the holiday season holds, I think escapism and romance isn’t gratuitous or trivial, a Happily Ever After and people who work through problems and care about each other…are absolute necessities!
Hi Avery!
Thanks for dropping by. 🙂 Your reasons for loving romances are mine as well. And, of course, getting into the heart of a wonderful, sexy, caring hero! Yes, there is something unique about love happening around a time of year that’s so special to many families. 🙂
Mary
Excellent reasoning, Mary. Even as the hero and heroine fight unbeatable odds, within the cover of a romance we are all assured love will conquer all giving them the HEA they deserve. Escapism in its purest, and most uplifting, form.
Like Avery, I adore Christmas romances and buy the anthologies as soon as they hit the shelves. A little Christmas magic goes a long way to make romance even more wonderful.
Hi Donnell!
Thanks for popping in and for your nice comment about the post. Yes, my daughter already has a list of romance novels I want to read. I’ll leave the choice to her, though. 🙂
I’d heard of Lisa Kleypas’ story too and, like you, was touched by it. I can certainly understand her need to buy a romance novel during such a stressful time. We all need that “escapism” if even for an hour or two–just to give us hope and perhaps put a smile into our day.
Mary
Hi Mary,
Thank you for being my very first guest blogger on Muse Interrupted!
You know I love your books. I’ve read every single one of them. 🙂 I think romance novels are popular because of the very escapsim you describe. A reader’s everyday life might not be going so well, and a romance novel is like a quick get-away from her troubles. OR, just as important, it’s a validation of her own positive life experience. The experience of spending a few days in another world and in another person’s heart and shoes. There are so many wonderful, positive reasons to read romance.
Note to Cindy: Do not enter Self in draw for Mary’s books, because that wouldn’t really be fair, considering Self is picking the winner’s name out of the hat (in this case, a plastic Safeway grocery bag), and Self’s fingers would most naturally be attracted to Self’s own name…
Hi Mary – long time, no see 🙂 ORWA seems a loooooong time ago now.
Anyway, what endears me to books is the sweep of the story and the characters as they journey through it. I love being sucked into their world and never wanting to leave it.
Thanks for your comment about the post, Pat! 🙂 Yes, that ‘beating the odds’ is what most draws me to reading romances–and why, of course, I love writing them. Knowing there will be a HEA is so satisfying simply because of that “uplifting” factor. And, yes, there is nothing like love blended with the ambience of holiday magic!
Mary
Oh, Cindy, you make me LOL with your Note to Self!! 🙂 First, thank you so much for having me as your first Guest Blogger. I feel truly privileged. And thank you for reading my work; there is no greater reward for an author to have such a loyal fan.
You’re right about the reader stepping into the shoes of a character and “spending a few days in another world.” That’s what happens to me as well, both in reading and writing. It’s as if I’ve gone to “live” with a group of friends I know heart and soul. Escapism at its best! 😉
Hey, Teresa!! What a nice surprise to hear from you! Gosh, yes, it has been a LONG time. 🙂
Oh, you hit it right on about never wanting to leave a good story. I can name books that have remained with me for years after I’ve read them because of the characters’ journey through heartache and difficult times. Those are the keepers, the books I read over and over again.
Mary
Mary,
I’m not surprised to read that you like relationship stories as your novels are masterfully written stories of complex and impelling relationships. And I agree with you, writing is a fabulous escape, a mini-mind vacation. 🙂 I wish you continued well-deserved success!
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder
Hey, Diana! Great that you could pop by! Thanks so much for your very sweet comments about my work. I’m blushing. 🙂
Love the term “mini-mind vacation,” btw. So apt.
Looking forward to your blog here next week–and to reading His Woman next month!
Mary
Mary
Wonderful post!
I love reading romances because I believe everyone no matter their lot in life deserves a happy-ever-after. Reading and writing romances reminds me of what’s most important in life–family-friends and uncondtional love.
Marin Thomas
The Cowboy and the Angel (Nov 08)
http://www.marinthomas.com
Hi Mary!
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your books. They’re all on my keeper shelf, which is actually a keeper box at this point because we’re in the middle of renovations. Shudder. You have such a story telling gift, and also haven’t been afraid to give your characters some tough hurdles to overcome. Learning disabilities and breast cancer are two that come to mind.
Sheryll
Hey, Marin! Thanks for stopping by and for your nice comment about the blog post. You’re so right in that romance books are also about family & friends. That’s why I enjoy creating communities for my characters and then revisting them in other books. 🙂
Mary
Sheryll, what lovely comments about my stories. 🙂 Thank you! Wow, and to think they’re keepers on your shelf. I’m humbled. And honored.
You have my sympathy about the renovations. We’ve done those before and the mess and dust and chaos was sometimes endless. During those weeks I made a point of having an extra TBR pile of only romances, LOL! 🙂
Mary
Not that I wouldn’t ask for books for holiday gifts, but I’ve been known to ask for the other kind of “escape”, too! The last time I received a day or two off from being Mom, Wife and Chief BottleWasher, I used it to renovate my website….eat somebody ELSE’S cooking….and then read a book. The important thing was I got to do exactly what I wanted and nobody was allowed to guilt trip me about it. I got both escapes for the price of one.
We have a WINNER! Donnell, you’ve won Mary’s books. I’ll contact you for your snail mail address, so you can collect your prize!
Everyone, please come back Monday, November 10th, for Kensington historical romance author, Diana Cosby. I’ll post her promo piece on Sunday, and comments entered for her Monday blog will go into the magic plastic Safeway bag for a copy of her December release, HIS WOMAN.
Congratulations again, Donnell.
BTW, Jody W., thank you for dropping by. I did enter your name in the draw this morning, but, alas, it was not to be. 🙂
Jody, I love your “escapism” ventures! I’ve been given those once in a while too, and they are days I treasure like none other. Especially when cooking is NOT involved, LOL.
Mary
CONGRATULATIONS to Donnell! As soon as Cindy sends me your snail addy the first 2 books of my “Home To Firewood Island” miniseries will be on the way. 🙂
And a BIG thanks to all who took time from their busy schedules to stop by! It was so nice ‘meeting’ everyone. 🙂
Warmest wishes,
Mary
Mary, thank YOU. It’s been a pleasure.